As Custer County High School’s newest Boettcher Scholarship recipient, graduating senior Jamie Short’s name will be added to the plaque hanging on the wall outside the main school office.

The Boettcher Scholarship is prestigious merit-based academic scholarship awarded to graduating Colorado high school students.

The award is considered a ‘full ride” and allows Boettcher Scholars to attend any accredited Colorado university for four years.

In order to qualify for the Boettcher, Ms. Short had to be in the top two percent of her graduating class, and maintain at least at a 4.0 GPA.

Additionally, she had to score 27 or higher on the ACT test. Ms. Short said the first time she took the ACT she scored a 29, so she took the test again and scored a 30.

Ms. Short was among 1,300 graduating high school seniors who applied this year, and each time the list was narrowed her name remained on the list. That list was narrowed to 200 semi-finalists and 70 finalists.

Ms. Short was among a total of 40 to be selected to receive this year’s Boettcher.

“I am very honored to have this opportunity to attend the University of Denver as a Boettcher Scholar,” said Ms. Short, who is likely pursue a degree in international studies and business. She is the daughter of Lori and Stuart Short.

Previous Custer County Boettcher Scholars include Gary Coleman, Lance Villers, Eric Piquette, Jeff Piquette, Sharon Read, Brian Hall and Clarke Watson. Amy West also received the Boettcher but declined after choosing to attend a university outside Colorado.

The scholarships are awarded by the Boettcher Foundation in Denver, which was established in 1937.